I start with a variety of different colored textured plates, bowls, and candle holders. Then I decide which pieces look best together, beginning with the largest (minimum 3 pieces–I’ve used up to six). Once I have my pieces selected and design planned, it’s time to start assembling the flower. I apply a good even bead of E600 glue to the back of the dish and press it firmly into place. I allow 24 hours for each glued piece to set before adding another dish. Once I’ve completed gluing and curing the flower itself, I take a small vase or spice jar and adhere it to the back. This allows me to display the finished art on a garden stake.

Maybe you would like to try a hand at making your own conversation piece.

Repurposed garden art is a great gift for gardening friends, grandmothers, mothers, aunts, and sisters.

Just this week, I read on Facebook that our local flower man has his gladiola stand open for business. I love to stop and purchase bouquets and then deliver to shut-ins, folks who don’t drive, and elderly neighbors. During the year, I find vases at rummage sales and when a recipient isn’t home, I leave the bouquet by the front door. When my grandchildren are available, they go with me and assist in delivering the colorful flowers. They’ll remember the smiles and hugs they receive and how important it is to think of others. A good friend of mine told me that she has delivered a single glad to each resident in her mother’s assisted living facility. And several times when purchasing bouquets I’ve bumped into a fellow who does the same. This time of year, there are plenty of on-the-side-of-the-road vegetable and flower stands along with farmers’ markets getting into full swing. Even fresh fruit and vegetables for a shut-in is a great idea. It sure feels good to bless someone, and the blessing always returns full circle. Maybe someday my grandchildren will carry on the tradition.

Here in Michigan, we’ve had a warm summer. A favorite, inexpensive outing I do with the grandchildren is an evening pajama run. Parents, aunts and uncles, or older siblings will enjoy this too. I gather the pajama-clad gang before dusk and drive to the local ice cream stand. Each child selects their favorite frozen delight, and then off we go–windows down, for a deliciously fun ride. Sometimes we’ll stop for a stroll along the sidewalk, and on occasion, perform a race-around the car fire drill. By the way, the fire drill is their ‘fav’ but we only do it in an empty, open parking lot. If you’re on a budget, stop at the local supermarket and purchase a box of drumsticks, popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, or treat of choice and let your hair fly in the wind.